Cultural Programme on Celebration of Chhath
Event Date: 25th October 2024
On October 25, 2024, students from the School of Agriculture at Galgotias University came together to celebrate Chhath Puja with enthusiasm and reverence. The event honoured the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya, symbolizing gratitude for prosperity and good health. Dressed in traditional attire, students gathered by an artificial waterbody to perform rituals and offer prayers during the evening Arghya. The campus resonated with devotional songs as students observed the age-old customs, fostering a sense of cultural pride and unity. This celebration not only highlighted the importance of traditional festivals but also promoted harmony among the diverse student community.
Chhath Puja, primarily observed in the northern and eastern regions of India, is a ritual of devotion to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. This festival is celebrated as an expression of gratitude for life’s abundance, prosperity, and good health, which is especially meaningful to agricultural students who understand the importance of natural forces in nurturing life.
The students, dressed in traditional attire, gathered by an artificial waterbody created specifically for the event to perform the evening Arghya, a key ritual where devotees offer prayers to the setting sun. The event was meticulously organized to honor the age-old customs, with students preparing offerings of fruits, sweets, and holy water, all arranged in bamboo baskets as per tradition. These offerings, symbolic of purity and dedication, were presented as a humble gesture of gratitude towards nature’s bounty.
The celebration featured devotional songs that filled the air with spirituality and positivity, enhancing the cultural ambiance and drawing in attendees from diverse backgrounds. Observing the disciplined fast, engaging in prayers, and following Chhath’s rigorous rituals fostered a deeper connection among the students, who participated in every aspect of the event with devotion and unity. This event allowed students to experience firsthand the significance of Chhath Puja while promoting mutual respect for India's rich cultural diversity.
Event Outcome
This celebration not only highlighted the importance of preserving traditional values but also fostered a sense of unity, pride, and cultural appreciation among the student body. By embracing this festival, Galgotias University’s students demonstrated how cultural celebrations can bring people together and strengthen bonds, creating a sense of harmony within the university’s diverse community.
Mentor Name – Dr. Anju Kapri
Department Name – School of Agriculture
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